Brushing twice a day for 2 minutes is essential for your child’s good dental health, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), but getting your kid to brush for 4 whole minutes each day can be quite a feat. Here are a few creative ways to get your kids to brush their teeth.
Give your kids the power of choice
Toothbrush and toothpaste manufacturers make it fun for kids to brush their teeth. Unlike children’s toothbrushes of the past that were merely smaller versions of adult toothbrushes, kids’ brushes are now colorful and fun. Allow your child to pick his or her favorite color or design.
Children’s toothpaste comes in a variety of kid-friendly flavors and varieties. A number of toothpaste brands even feature some of your child’s favorite characters. Keep the fun flowing by purchasing a couple of different types of toothpaste flavors, so your child can switch it up.
Listen to the sweet sounds of dental hygiene
Use music and apps to make the time fly. The ADA has a web page with seven music videos that make brushing fun. Each video lasts about two minutes and all are family-friendly.
Make dental hygiene a family affair
Brush your teeth together. Instead of supervising your children, grab your toothbrush and jump right in. Children learn by watching; get down to their level so they can see what you are doing. Be sure to use proper technique.
Make it a game
Set a timer for 2 minutes; make it a competition to brush the entire time. Have a contest to see who can create the most bubbles by brushing.
Dance the cavities away
It’s hard to be cranky when you’re dancing! Make up a tooth-brushing dance that your child can do before and after brushing his or her teeth.
Make up stories
Encourage your child to use his or her imagination during the tooth-brushing routine. Create a tale about chasing away the “cavity monsters” living between your child’s teeth, for example, or a story about how your child is the only superhero who can brush away all the bad guys that cause cavities.
Use stickers, stars and charts
Create a reward system with stickers, stars and charts to reinforce the good behaviors of brushing twice a day and flossing once daily.
Sound the alarm
Make a big deal out of the oral hygiene routine. Set one alarm to awaken your child and another to tell your kid that it’s teeth-brushing time, for example, or ring a “time to brush your teeth bell” twice each day. Feel free to be silly and creative, as your optimistic outlook helps your children develop positive attitudes about oral hygiene.
Create a Super Brushing Zone
Turn your bathroom into a Super Brushing Zone. Arm your child with his or her favorite toothbrushes, toothpastes and towels. Sesame Street offers free downloadable door hangers that your child can color, personalize and hang on the bathroom door during brushing time.
Oral hygiene is an important part of your child’s daily routine, but many kids simply fall out of the habit of brushing for 2 minutes twice a day. Using your imagination can help instill good dental hygiene habits that last a lifetime.
